(Big) Easy on the ear

Legend Allen Toussaint brings the music of New Orleans to the world

Their concert here is a rare opportunity to hear Toussaint share the stage with two gifted musicians whose artistic paths he helped pave:

Henry Butler: As a kid, Butler often stood outside New Orleans nightclubs to listen to Professor Longhair, James Booker, Ellis Marsalis and other homegrown piano greats.

“I thought every city had players like that! It was only as I got older that I realized New Orleans was unique,” said Butler, who began singing at age 6 at the Louisiana State School for the Blind and took up piano two years later.

He and his jazz trio first dazzled San Diego audiences during their monthlong residency at Elario's in 1987. Butler, who now lives in Denver, began embracing his Big Easy music heritage on his third album, 1989's “Orleans Inspiration.” He has since cut six more albums as a leader and has also recorded with Irma Thomas, Robben Ford, Odetta and jazz sax dynamo James Carter.

Toussaint: “I didn't know Henry as a little kid, but I have for many years as an adult. He's been great ever since I've known him.”

Jon Cleary: Best known as the keyboardist in Bonnie Raitt's band for the past 10 years, Cleary, a native of Cranbrook, England, cut his teeth playing with such New Orleans luminaries as Earl King, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and two musicians who – as teens – played in a band with Toussaint, singer Ernie K-Doe and guitarist Snooks Eaglin.

“I speak with an English accent, but I only play music with a New Orleans accent,” Cleary noted in a 2006 Night&Day interview.

In addition to his five solo albums, Cleary's recording credits range from Raitt, Taj Mahal and Johnny Adams to D'Angelo, India.Arie and Ryan Adams.

Toussaint: “Like many people who stop in New Orleans and think they're passing through, Jon stayed. He fell in love with the music and it's in his heart.”